By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Pundits predict the most exciting Bundesliga finish in over a decade. In advance of the 2019-20 season's second leg, up to six teams battle for the title.
Fans celebrate the German league as Europe's goal machine as, on average, 3.22 goals were scored per game. At the same time, the Italian Serie A only delivered 2.86, the English Premier League 2.79 and the Spanish La Liga 2.60.
Who is going to make it: Top of the pile is RB Leipzig (37 points), runner-up Moenchengladbach (35), ruling champions Bayern Munich (33), Borussia Dortmund (30) updated with Norwegian hitman Erling Haaland or the season's surprise Schalke 04 (30)?
East-German challenger RB Leipzig has to deal with huge expectations and growing pressure. "We don't care about the half-time title," RB-coach Julian Nagelsmann commented.
Former German international like Lothar Matthaeus and Didi Hamann predict Leipzig is prepared. "Times are over that Bayern is a safe bet," Hamann predicted. For Matthaeus a satisfying start is vital. The 150 capped former midfielder underlines the importance of RB's results in top games against Moenchengladbach and Bayern on February 1 and 9 respectively.
"I am sure we end up among the top four. To win the title we need to beat our 37 points of the first half," Nagelsmann emphasized. Leipzig's performance might depend on the success of top-scorer Timo Werner (18 goals).
The foals in Moenchengladbach might count on the advantage to entirely concentrate on the title race after the side is out of continental competitions and the German Cup.
Coach Marco Rose's side can play several tactical systems but insists on going for a Champions League spot - surprises included. "To secure the Champions League is like the title for us," sports-director Max Eberl said.
Injury setbacks and a radical change in the club's leadership is causing turmoil for Bayern. To reach all three possible titles, including the Champions League, the Bavarian's squad seems too thin.
The squad experience regarding pressure situations might be helpful. To catch up, the 2013 treble winner needs three points in Berlin to create optimism.
New arrival Haaland is causing enthusiasm in Dortmund. But the 2012 German champion has to gain further consistency to turn things around. Team cornerstones like Marco Reus have to change to true leaders. So far, Borussia is only an outsider regarding the title.
